The four were traveling home to Dickson, Tennessee, following a beach trip to Panama City, Florida. The small aircraft went down near the Bessemer airport, where it was attempting to land because of engine trouble.

Dan Smith and his son's girlfriend are listed in good condition. The other two people are listed in serious condition.

Authorities credit two people who heard the crash with pulling the passengers from the wreckage before the plane caught fire.

The Federal Aviation Administration identifies the airplane as a Piper PA-32.

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